How to Bypass the Parking Brake Wire on a Boss Stereo

This article shows how to bypass the parking brake wire to enjoy a Boss stereo in your car.

I’ve covered three methods available to you: (1) grounding the brake wire, (2) installing a toggle switch, and (3) installing a relay switch.

To bypass the parking brake wire on a Boss stereo, strip the ends of the parking brake wire, the stereo’s ground, and the car’s ground, and join them together.

To install a toggle switch, connect one side to the parking brake wire and the other to the ground.

To install a relay switch, remove the amplifier’s remote ground signal cable and join the signal cable to the relay’s power pin. Connect a ground wire to one side of the coil and use the car’s chassis for all the ground connections. Connect the parking brake wire to the relay’s Pin 30.

Continue reading to ensure you make the bypass correctly and enjoy your Boss stereo.

The Boss Stereo and Parking Brake Wire

Boss Stereo

A boss stereo is one of several good car stereo systems.

Drivers appreciate it for its sophistication, high-tech features, and affordability. It includes a video player that drivers may want to enjoy while driving.

Parking Brake Wire

The parking brake is an auxiliary brake system in vehicles to stop them from rolling while parked, but it also performs other functions, including activating the boss stereo. It ensures you only watch TV or a DVD when the parking brake is engaged.

The parking brake wire is usually green and near the driver’s footwell. You might see a small parking brake switch on top of the brake. If so, applying the brake releases the switch.

I’ve mentioned the wire harness in the methods to bypass the parking brake wire. It is connected to the parking brake pedal for tapping the ground wire.

Bypassing the Parking Brake Wire on a Boss Stereo

You can bypass the parking brake wire on a boss stereo in 5 different ways.

Implement the one most suitable in your particular situation, or choose whichever you prefer. The 5 methods are:

• Grounding the brake wire
• Installing a toggle switch
• Installing a relay switch

Before you apply any of the above methods, remember to turn the ignition off. You will also need to remove the stereo to access the wiring.

Requirements

The main requirement for this project (besides tools for managing wires) is a parking brake override wire.

Bypassing the Parking Brake Wire by Grounding It

Step 1: Remove the Stereo

Remove the stereo from the vehicle’s dashboard.

Step 2: Remove the Ground Wire

Inspect the stereo system’s harness and identify the ground wire’s negative wire (-12 volt), usually black.

Step 3: Strip the Three Wire Ends

Strip the ends of the wire connected to the parking brake, the stereo’s ground, and the car’s ground. About a half to a quarter inch of exposed wire is sufficient.

Step 4: Join the Three Wires

Twist the three wires together and put a wire cap over them, or use electrical tape to keep them joined.

Step 5: Reattach the Stereo

Reattach the stereo in its place, as it was before.

Bypassing the Parking Brake Wire by Installing a Toggle Switch

A toggle switch can bypass the parking brake wire and the normal setup. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Remove the Stereo

Remove the stereo from its slot in the dashboard after loosening the attachments around the trim.

Step 2: Connect the Toggle Switch

Connect one side of the toggle switch to the unit’s parking brake wire.

Step 3: Connect the Ground Wire

Connect the other end of the wire to the ground.

Step 4: Test the Toggle Switch

Test the toggle switch on and off to check whether it works.

Reattach the stereo player if it works fine. Secure the trim cover and ensure the toggle switch is visible and easily accessible.

Now, you can flip the toggle switch off to stop watching a video while driving initially. Drive your vehicle for a distance before turning the switch back on.

Bypassing the Parking Brake Wire by Installing a Relay Switch

Installing a relay will enable you to circumvent the parking brake on newer stereo models.

Step 1: Remove the Amplifier’s Ground Signal Cable

You must first obtain the right relay switch and remove the amplifier’s remote ground signal cable. Join the signal cable to the relay’s power pin.

Step 2: Connect the Ground Wires

Connect a ground wire to one side of the coil. Use the car’s chassis for all the ground connections.

Run a second ground wire from the open contact.

Step 3: Connect the Parking Brake Wire

Connect the green (or pink) parking brake cable to Pin 30 on the relay switch. It will be an open-circuit connection until the stereo is turned on.

When turned on, the stereo will check the parking brake wire before turning on the remote power. The amp will then turn on and trip the relay switch. When triggered, the relay switch will discharge the ground onto the parking brake cable. The parking brake sensor is ignored while the stereo is powered on.

References

Website Resources:

• Parking brake wire. https://www.lazada.com.ph/products/sale-kdwl2o-parking-brake-bypass-override-video-in-motion-wire-switcher-for-aftermarket-alpine-head-unit-i3160191279-s15728550809.html

Video References:

Jptheinstallguy

Michaelangelo Sacramento

Provo Beast Audio Installation